Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Susan Jones Sears

About

Ohio State University

FUNERAL HOME

Schoedinger Margarum Northeast

1051 E Johnstown Road

Gahanna, Ohio

Susan Sears Obituary

SEARS Dr. Susan Jones Sears, a resident of New Albany, Ohio, passed away on February 28, after a long battle with col-rectal cancer. She was born in Zanesville, Ohio to Thelma and Thomas Jones. She is predeceased by her parents and brother Larry, and is survived by her husband, Dennis Sears; daughter, Tanya; and several wonderful nephews, a niece, and cousins. Dr. Sears was an education and career consultant who specialized in career counseling, program design, grant writing, and leadership development. She was a professor in counselor education at The Ohio State University for twenty-five years, an Associate Dean at the OSU's College of Education, and has published books and articles focusing on career development of college students, program development, and school and college counseling. Dr. Sears was instrumental in writing and pushing to get passed the legislation that created the regulation of licensed counselors, clinical counselors, and social workers in the State of Ohio. She served as the first chair of The Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board (appointed by then Ohio Governor Richard Celeste) and continued as a member of the Board from November 1984 until January 1990. Before becoming the first Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio, Dr. Sears taught Social Studies and was a Counselor in the Columbus, Gahanna, Zanesville, and Maysville Public Schools. In 1986, she was the recipient of the "Governor's Special Recognition Award for Leadership", and received numerous national and state awards for her service and leadership. She also served in several state counseling associations. No funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Celiac Disease Foundation (www.celiac.org), and The Wilds. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL. Always ask questions, always fight for what you believe in, and always encourage children to read and learn, and tell them repeatedly they can do anything they set their minds to. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 29 to Mar. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Sears

23 Entries

Brenda

August 20, 2012

Susan was a special lady with such devotion to her family, her friends, her students, her coworkers and her work. I just learned of her death through my OSU magazine. I am reminded of a time she called me at home and our young daughter answered the telephone and then called to me with these words, "Mom, Sue from Sears wants to talk to you." Susan has always remained "Sue from Sears" to our family. I am very sorry for your loss. She was delightful.

July 20, 2012

I am greatly saddened by the news of Dr. Sears' death. Susan will be forever remembered for her leadership and guidance in the achievement of counselor licensure in Ohio. She was a member of my doctoral committee and a guiding force in future professional work.

Linda Stoer-Scaggs

Mary Jo Deerwester (Cattey)

March 10, 2012

Dr. Susan Sears was my professor and advisor in the Graduate School at The Ohio State University. She was such a caring and inspiring person. While those of us who knew her mourn her passing, we know that part of her lives on in the philosophies and knowledge that she taught her students and to those who read her writings. She was an outstanding professor and a wonderful role model. Because of knowing her, I (and others) were inspired to believe in ourselves. For that I will always remain grateful.

Celeste Etzkorn

March 10, 2012

Count me among the many school counselors who will be forever grateful for having the privilege to learn from the best. Her legacy lives on every time a child's day is lifted by the encouragement she gave us to believe we really could make a difference. My sincere sympathy to all who love Dr. Sears.

March 7, 2012

My sincere sympathy and prayers for all the family members (and all others) who mourn the loss of Susan. I have known Susan for MANY years as a colleague in various positions and places. Most recently we shared time in our roles with Phi Delta Kappa and the Educational Foundation. Susan was a beacon light in counseling, career education and any other endeavor she chose to put her many skills and energy into pursuing. She was an example of caring, capability and commitment and all of us who knew her (as well as many who never did and now never will) are diminished by her death.
Rayalene Brizendine

Barbara Dahmke

March 6, 2012

Dennis and Tanya, my deepest sympathy to both of you. I had the good fortune of having Dr. Sears as one of my professors in the Resident Intern Program at OSU from 1972-1974. She was a terrific teacher and fabulous person at that time. I can only imagine the great work she's done and the lives she's touched since then. She definitely made a difference and will be missed. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Brenda Stubblefield

March 5, 2012

Tanya & Dennis I am so thankfull I got to visit all of you before Susan passed. And of course I will always cherish our time together in Africa, I have the greatest pic of your Dad throwing that ball stick thing I will have to dig it out . Know I love you all and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you have one another and such great family and friends to help you thru this time . I know your mom left a great legacy behind and she contInues to shine down her love and support. God bless We love you

Sandy Waters-Holley

March 5, 2012

Dr. Susan Sears was such an iconic person in the world of educators and counselors alike. She worked tirelessly to teach students the purpose and value of counseling. I am so appreciative of her personal commitment to my counseling career at CCS. She will be truly missed. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Sears. My prayers are with her family. Thank you, for sharing her with us. She was a jewel! Well done, faithful servant...

Lisa Wightman

March 4, 2012

Dr Sears was such an amazing dynamo of a woman! She was a big influence on my life and so very important to the field of counseling. I've been a school counselor since 1984 and learned so much from her at OSU that I still utilize today. Young people going into counseling today owe much to her. She legitimized our field. So very sorry for your loss. She was very special.

Ann Dickin

March 4, 2012

Denny, My daughter and I both want to express our deepest sympathies. Susan was an amazing,vital woman and such a dear, wonderful friend to me at the old "Gahanna Jr. High." Love to both you and your daughter, Tanya...we are so sorry for your loss. Ann (Rhodes)Dickin and Sandy Rhodes

Angela Kuhn

March 4, 2012

Many loving and fond memories of the days when Susan, Judy, and my mom were so close. Deepest sympathies and healing prayers.
Angela (Farley) Kuhn

March 3, 2012

Dear Dennis and Tanya: I am so sorry for your loss. Susan was such a wonderful person. I first met her in a class and was always so impressed with her committment to the education and counseling profession. But, most of all, her friendship and help throughout the years as a counselor educator, and as amember of OSCA leadership, serving the students and counselors of Ohio for many years. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Joanne Kitchen, Columbus, Ohio

Don and Cheri Reid

March 3, 2012

Tanya, clearly your Mother was a remarkable woman and leader. Some of the fondest memories Cheri and I have are of our three years living in Powell, OH. Regular visits to the Columbus Zoo are still memorable and we were delighted to learn of Dr. Sears' particular interest in The Wilds.

Chikako

March 3, 2012

My deepest sympathy for Dennis and Tonya: Last time I saw Dr. Sears was at Hillary Clinton's Rally. We laughed that our shared commitment in Womyn's leadership continued after so many years. Was so glad my daughter finally met "legendary Dr. Sears." She was truly an inspiring and incredible person. Gassho.

Dwight Austin

March 2, 2012

My heart goes out to you and your family; Ms Susan K.Jones Sears was a wonderful teacher who took me under her care without prejudice and taught me about life. May God be with you always. Gahanna Lincoln forever...

Christine Z. Ginder

March 1, 2012

Dear Tanya and Dennis,
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Susan was such a positive influence upon my life and my career, as well as an amazing role model for all of us in the counseling profession. Please know that her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, both professionally and personally. You are in my prayers. Blessings and peace,

March 1, 2012

Dennis and Tanya - I am so sorry. Dr. Sears was such a tremendous influence on my life. We spent as much time talking about life and sports as we did academic issues. She was a true Buckeye! I am who I am in part because of her insights and guidance. I will forever carry her in my heart. I am profoundly sorry for your loss.
Much love to you and your family,
Kate Riffee

March 1, 2012

Tanya - We are so sorry to hear the sad news of your mother's passing. We are thinking of you and your family. Love, Jennifer, Walter and Kate

xenia palus

March 1, 2012

I visited with Dr. Sears years ago and after I graduated from OSU. Her guidance, insights and honesty were instrumental in my ability to shift a ho-hum resume to one that resonated in my career pursuits. But that I met her once, I often referred her to many others. I know that she shared her knowledge with more than just the one me. My condolences to the family and all who enjoyed the beauty of her life.

Robyn Secrest

March 1, 2012

We will remember Susan's kindness, warm smile, and evening sunset walks with Dennis around our neighborhood. We are sorry for your loss. We pray that God comforts you in knowing she is at peace now.
Scott, Robyn, Ryan, and Sammy Secrest

February 29, 2012

Dr. Sears you were truly one of the great ones. So glad you touched my life. You will be greatly missed. Patreece Hutcherson, Professional School Counselor (bc of you).

Shawna

February 29, 2012

You were such an inspiration to s all. What you taught us and instilled in us will live on. You were an incredible educator and an amazing person. You will be missed.

February 29, 2012

I will miss your guidance, wisdom, and friendship. Your passing leaves a void - a profound void.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results